Articles
Look Higher!
Over and over Jesus challenges us to lift our eyes above the pressing everyday concerns of this life to that which truly satisfies and lasts forever.
To the Samaritan woman who came to draw water Jesus spoke of living water which would truly satisfy (John 4:7-15; 7:37-38). To His disciples who brought Him something to eat Jesus said, “I have food to eat that you do not know about . . . . My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work” (John 4:32, 34 NASB).
The crowd Jesus had fed with the loaves and fish came to Him the next day wanting another free meal. Jesus told them, “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life . . .” (John 6:27).
Jesus urges us to lay up treasure in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21), and to seek God’s kingdom first rather than giving priority to meeting our daily needs for food and clothing (Matthew 6:25-33). If we’ll do that, He assures us our daily needs will be met—guaranteed!
He shows us the advantage of seeking God’s approval rather than the approval of people (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18).
He teaches that spiritual kinship is greater than physical family ties (Matthew 12:46-50).
Jesus knows how easy it is to get caught up in business, family, and pleasure—at the expense of our eternal welfare. He shows us the far greater benefits we’ll receive if we give priority to kingdom concerns.
Do we believe Jesus when He tells us there is a realm we cannot see with our physical eyes? Do we believe that the world we live in, with all its attractions, is only temporary and cannot ultimately satisfy? Do we believe that any sacrifice is worth it if only we can obtain what God has promised?
Whether or not we truly believe will show in how we spend our time and our money. It will show in how we treat people and how we value things. Our conduct is shaped by our values. Our values are determined by whether we believe Jesus.
Either we believe Him or we don’t. Which is it?
